Tompkins County Whole Health Issues Statement Regarding Mifepristone
Published on May 22, 2026
Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is issuing the following statement regarding current policies and access to Mifepristone. Mifepristone remains available to the public via telehealth and mail order, in addition to access in-person.
Mifepristone, commonly known as the abortion pill, is a synthetic steroid that primarily blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for a pregnancy to continue. Mifepristone has been shown to be safe and effective for use at pregnancy termination of up to 10 weeks of gestation, offering a medical alternative to surgical procedures for induced abortions.
While there has been activity in the United States lower federal courts to restrict access to mifepristone to in-person appointments only, the United States Supreme Court has put a stay in place, which allows mifepristone to remain available to the public via telehealth and mail order.
TCWH advises the public to reach out to a healthcare provider with their questions and seek up to date information from verified, reputable sources. Contact Planned Parenthood of Greater New York - Ithaca Health Clinic (607-273-1513) or call the NYS Statewide Abortion Hotline, which connects people looking for abortion resources with information and access: 212-899-5567.
New York State law protects the rights of patients and reproductive healthcare providers. Medication abortion and in-clinic abortion access is available in New York State for both residents and non-residents. In New York, you can get an abortion up to and including 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, you can still get an abortion if your health or pregnancy is at risk. Minors (individuals under 18 years old) do not need parental permission or notification to get an abortion, birth control, prenatal care, or other reproductive health services.
For 24/7 mental health and emotional support, dial or text 988 (1-800-273-8255).
To learn more about local and state abortion access, visit our webpage or go to the New York State Abortion Hub.
Tompkins County Whole Health: envisioning a future where every person in Tompkins County can achieve wellness. Find us online at: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/health and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or X. Sign up to receive Whole Health updates or other county announcements via email or text.
- end -